Railway Signal Technician Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of a railway signal?
- To entertain train drivers
- To control train speed
- To ensure safe train movements
- To indicate train weight
Rationale: Signals are installed to prevent collisions and ensure the
safe operation of trains.
- Which component detects the presence of a train on a track section?
- Semaphore
- Track circuit 1 / 4
- Relay
- Signal lamp
Rationale: Track circuits detect the presence of a train by completing
an electrical circuit through the wheels and rails.
- What does a red signal generally indicate?
- Proceed with caution
- Stop
- Reduce speed
- Track switching ahead
Rationale: Red signals universally indicate that a train must stop.
- Which type of signal provides information about speed restrictions?
- Stop signal
- Speed signal
- Distant signal
- Semaphore
Rationale: Speed signals inform drivers about the maximum speed
allowed on a track section.
- What is the function of a relay in railway signaling?
- Power the signal lamp
- Electrically control signal aspects and track circuits
- Switch tracks mechanically
- Measure train speed 2 / 4
Rationale: Relays are used to control circuits, signal aspects, and
interlocking safely.
- In railway signaling, what is interlocking?
- Mechanism to lift tracks
- System that prevents conflicting train movements
- Locking signal lamps
- Securing railway bridges
Rationale: Interlocking ensures that signals and points are
coordinated to avoid unsafe train movements.
- Which signal is used to warn a driver about a stop signal ahead?
- Stop signal
- Distant signal
- Speed signal
- Shunt signal
Rationale: Distant signals give advance warning of the next signal,
allowing the driver to take precautionary action.
- What is a semaphore signal?
- A digital control panel
- A mechanical arm that indicates signal aspects
- A type of relay
- A track switch
Rationale: Semaphore signals use a pivoted arm to visually indicate
“stop,” “caution,” or “clear.” 3 / 4
- Which color light on a signal indicates “proceed with caution”?
- Red
- Green
- Yellow
- White
Rationale: Yellow signals typically indicate caution or a reduced
speed requirement ahead.
- What does a signal’s “aspect” refer to?
- The angle of the signal pole
- Signal maintenance schedule
- The visual indication shown to the driver
- Type of lamp used
Rationale: Aspect refers to the appearance or indication (color or
position) displayed by the signal.
- Which device is used to control points (switches) remotely?
- Track circuit
- Point machine
- Semaphore
- Interlocking relay
Rationale: Point machines move track switches under electrical or
mechanical control.
- Which type of relay operates when a track circuit is clear?
- Ground relay
- / 4